Reading Theme:
Desirable: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：attractive and wanted (desirable)
desirable
/dɪˈzaɪərəbl/
adj.
If something is desirable, it is attractive and you want to have it.
attractive and wanted
➕
/əˈtræktɪv ənd ˈwɒntɪd/
adj.
This meaning describes something that creates a feeling of wanting to possess or obtain it because it is appealing, pleasing, or advantageous.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from the verb 'desire' (to wish or long for) + the suffix '-able' (capable of, worthy of). Literally means 'capable of being desired' or 'worthy of being wished for'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of it as a combination of 'DEsired' and 'ABLE'. Something that is desirable is something you are ABLE to DEsire.
📖 Example
For this job, experience in graphic design is a desirable skill that many employers look for.
In the context of this position, having graphic design experience is a highly attractive and sought-after qualification.
🔗 Collocations
highly desirable – extremely attractive or sought after
make something desirable – to cause something to become attractive or wanted
🚫 Antonyms
undesirable (adj.) – not attractive or wanted
🌱 Derivatives
desirability (n.) – the quality of being desirable
undesirable (adj.) – not desirable
desirably (adv.) – in a desirable manner
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'desirable' is frequently encountered in modern contexts like job postings and product marketing. A 'desirable candidate' possesses sought-after skills, while a 'desirable neighborhood' is one with good schools and amenities. This usage reflects a societal consensus on valuable attributes, making the term a key indicator of preference in professional and consumer culture.
Meaning 2：good and worth having (desirable)
desirable
/dɪˈzaɪərəbl/
adj.
Something that is desirable is good and worth having or doing.
good and worth having
➕
/ɡʊd ənd wɜːθ ˈhævɪŋ/
adj.
This meaning focuses on the inherent positive quality of something, indicating it is beneficial, advantageous, or preferable to have or achieve.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
For a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet is desirable over eating fast food every day.
To maintain a healthy way of living, consuming a balanced diet is a better and more worthwhile choice compared to daily fast food consumption.
🔗 Collocations
socially desirable – considered good and proper by society
politically desirable – considered advantageous from a political perspective
🔄 Synonyms
advantageous (adj.) – involving or creating a favorable circumstance
preferable (adj.) – more desirable or suitable
🚫 Antonyms
disadvantageous (adj.) – involving or creating an unfavorable circumstance
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